Thanks very much for your queries. "Adventures In Genius" does, indeed, contain several of the essays found within "The Greatest Minds And Ideas Of All Time," however, "Adventures In Genius" was published in 1931 and went out of print shortly thereafter.
While certain of the essays within "Adventures In Genius" are somewhat dated, the essays selected for "The Greatest Minds And Ideas Of All Time" are, in many respects, timeless and are as relevent today (2003) as they were in the late 1920s and early 1930s when they were first published (you can check the original publication dates for all of the essays in "The Greatest Minds And Ideas Of All Time" elsewhere on this forum). As "Adventures In Genius" contained 12 additional essays on topics ranging from modern education to the poet John Cowper Powys, and "The Greatest Minds And Ideas Of All Time" contains three essays that appeared in that book and one additional essay, "The Greatest Minds And Ideas Of All Time" is not simply a reprint of "Adventures In Genius."
As a follow up to "Heroes Of History" it was thought that a collection of Durant's essays (the first anthology of his writings, by the way)that focused on his ranking of books, thinkers, poets, significant dates in world history and indications of human progress, would make a significant companion volume and also serve the purpose of re-introducing Durant (through some of his best essays) to a contemporary audience. As I mentioned, "Adventures In Genius" has been out of print for over 70 years and Simon and Schuster had no interest in republishing the title. To see all of these wonderful essays and observations lost to posterity would have been a shame, at least in my estimation, as the pieces selected represent some of his most eloquent and insightful writing.
I view the book as both the summation of a long life spent in studying history, as well as a wonderful introduction to the writings and teachings of Will Durant.
I'm pleased to learn that you are making your way thorugh the "Story of Civilization" audiotapes. You may be pleased to learn that we have recently signed an agreement with Audio-Partners to release no less than 10 audio books based upon the writings of Will Durant -- the first of which will be "The Greatest Minds And Ideas Of All Time." I hope you enjoy the audio version of this wonderful little book as well.
Sorry about the "pop-up" ads, but that feature came with the forum and is out of our immediate control.
Thanks again for your queries and I hope I have answered your questions to your satisfaction.
